Hunter AAF's D Company, 3-160 SOAR deactivated on Thursday. Personnel from the unit are to be split between the new 4-160 SOAR at Ft. Lewis, Washington and C Company, 3-160 SOAR at Hunter AAF. According to the Savannah Morning News, this is part of a reoganization of the 160 SOAR that will see as many as 16 MH-47s at Hunter AAF. That report accounts for the higher number of MH-47Gs heard at Hunter AAF over the number of MH-47s that 3-160 SOAR previously had.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
26 April 2008
Southside Fire Picks Up Causton Bluff Area, Moves to Pick Up Elba Island LNG Facility
The Causton Bluff, Emerald Pointe, Runaway Point, Blue Heron Bluff, and The Bluff subdivisions will now be covered by Southside Fire Department. According to local news reports, Southside will begin operating from a site on the El Paso Corp. LNG Facility (Elba Island) on 1 May 2008, with construction of a station to take 12-14 months longer.
It was also announced that El Paso Corp. has contracted with Southside to provide fire services to the LNG Facility instead of Savannah Fire, the current provider. This move just does not make sense; although Southside will likely offer service at a lower fee (much as they have with the residential areas above), they do not have a HazMat response capability. If HazMat services are needed (and liquid natural gas certainly qualifies!) then Savannah Fire will have to be called.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
It was also announced that El Paso Corp. has contracted with Southside to provide fire services to the LNG Facility instead of Savannah Fire, the current provider. This move just does not make sense; although Southside will likely offer service at a lower fee (much as they have with the residential areas above), they do not have a HazMat response capability. If HazMat services are needed (and liquid natural gas certainly qualifies!) then Savannah Fire will have to be called.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Reflections on the Imperial Sugar Refinery After Action Report
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency has released their After Action Report (AAR) for the Imperial Sugar Refinery Explosion; it can be found in .pdf form at http://www.chathamemergency.org/docs/AAR%20Full%20Size.pdf
The AAR should be read by amateur radio operators interested in emergency communications; there are some important lessons learned to be digested. Radio Monitoring hobbyists interested in public safety communications may want to read it as well, as it covers communications issues that could impact our area's communications plans in the future.
Communications
ESF #2 Statement of Issue 1 addresses the problems of interagency communications. Although many of the responding units utilize the Chatham-Effingham TRS, some responders such as those from South Carolina and some outlying Coastal Georgia counties do not use that system. As a result, direct communications between units and Incident Command were sometimes problematic. Although it is possible to relay communications through a command post with multiple radios, that process can cause hazardous delays that could compromise safety. When operating in a hazardous situation such as the one at the sugar refinery, it is necessary for units to talk directly to each other rather than wait for relays between multiple frequency bands.
This should be less of a problem in the future due to the grant for public safety communications improvements that I recently posted about; plans are in the works to expand the communications network along the coast, allowing for greater interoperability. The explosion highlighted the need for the work to go forward. In regards to the South Carolina responders, the radio system they use is compatible with the radio system used here; common talkgroups (such as fire, law enforcement, and medical common talkgroups) could be programmed into radios. Another solution could be the use of an interoperability system such as a Motobridge. A Motobridge could alleviate these problems as well, but there would be delay in setup. There would be a shorter delay in setting up a permanently sited Motobridge or a longer one in deploying and setting up a temporary Motobridge.
This is of particular interest to the public safety monitoring hobbyist. It could have a direct impact on what we listen to and how we listen to it.
Incident Command System
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 1 addresses knowledge of and use of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). CEMA recommends that principles of the ICS be adhered to in all incidents. CEMA states that more than 1200 hours of ICS Level 300 and 400 training have been conducted. There are only a few agencies here that use the ICS on a regular basis on practically all of their operations. If agencies aren't practicing the ICS on regular, single agency incidents, how can they be expected to apply ICS principles on a major, multiple agency incidents. Classroom training and a couple of exercises a year cannot result in the same level of fluency that regular use of the ICS system can.
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 2 addresses the Chatham County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Chatham EOC and the CEMA administrative offices are not co-located. The EOC is at the County Annex and the administrative offices are downtown. CEMA recommends that their offices should be located with the EOC as soon as funds and facilities become available. Funds and Facilities should be made available by the county now, before Hurricane Season is here.
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 3 addresses how units "self dispatched" themselves to the scene and how their was no Incident Command to coordinate. They recommend that an Incident Commander should establish a Unified Command to alleviate the problems caused by the inflow of those units. There is no doubt that a Unified Command is needed, but units should also not "self dispatch" themselves to the scene. The street has to work both ways; the Unified Command must be established but the units must wait until requested and work with the Unified Command.
ICS Problems had a follow on effect onto other aspects of the response. Resources (ESF #7) were impacted by the ICS Problems; the lack of a Unified Command resulted in some needed resources being turned away from the scene. Ingress/Egress and Staging (under ESF #13) were impacted by the same issues; lack of communication between Fire and Law Enforcement combined with self dispatched units restricted the single ingress/egress corridor and hampered asset staging. This is why the amateur radio community needs to be familiar with the ICS and that amateur radio operators wanting to participate in emergency communications need to take the NIMS courses. The amateur radio community cannot be a weak link in the chain; in order to fit into the response, amateur radio operators need a working knowledge of ICS so that they know why things are going on around them and how they fit into the overall plan.
The AAR also addresses time limits on Incident Command and General Staff shifts. They correctly state that fatigue from extended shifts "impairs ones judgement and can expose emergency personnel to excessive danger." This must also apply to amateur radio operators taking part in emergency communications. From personnel experience during Hurricane Floyd, I know that long hours can reduce ones effectiveness. Rotating operators and making sure operators get rest will eliminate mistakes. Mistakes can not only embarrass the amateur radio community and damage it's reputation, they can put others in dangerous and harmful situations.
External Affairs
ESF #15, Statement of Issue 1 addresses the release of information regarding the incident. There were problems with incorrect information being released and information be released prematurely. The Pubic Information Officer and his/her delegates should be the only ones releasing information, no one else (not even elected officials!)
This relates to both the amateur radio operator and the public safety monitoring hobbyist. Amateur Radio Operators should be careful of what they say over the air and what they say off the air in regards to what could be considered sensitive information regarding an incident. Be careful of what you say, the information may not be intended for public consumption at the time. Likewise, the monitoring hobbyist should be careful what they say about what they are hearing and when they say it. Radio traffic may sometimes be inaccurate and incomplete; keep this in mind before talking about what you hear and making judgements on what you hear.
Air Operations
CEMA recommends the activation of the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) during future incidents such as this. The ASOC is a mobile command and control center operated by members of the Chatham County Aviation Division. The public safety monitoring hobbyist should plan to search and scan aviation frequencies during future exercises and incidents. CEMA has also come to agreements with local helicopter owners and operators to fill in when the local, state, federal, and military aviation assets are unavailable.
I would like to stress that the above opinions are purely my own. The do not reflect the opinions of amateur radio clubs, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, or anyone else.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
The AAR should be read by amateur radio operators interested in emergency communications; there are some important lessons learned to be digested. Radio Monitoring hobbyists interested in public safety communications may want to read it as well, as it covers communications issues that could impact our area's communications plans in the future.
Communications
ESF #2 Statement of Issue 1 addresses the problems of interagency communications. Although many of the responding units utilize the Chatham-Effingham TRS, some responders such as those from South Carolina and some outlying Coastal Georgia counties do not use that system. As a result, direct communications between units and Incident Command were sometimes problematic. Although it is possible to relay communications through a command post with multiple radios, that process can cause hazardous delays that could compromise safety. When operating in a hazardous situation such as the one at the sugar refinery, it is necessary for units to talk directly to each other rather than wait for relays between multiple frequency bands.
This should be less of a problem in the future due to the grant for public safety communications improvements that I recently posted about; plans are in the works to expand the communications network along the coast, allowing for greater interoperability. The explosion highlighted the need for the work to go forward. In regards to the South Carolina responders, the radio system they use is compatible with the radio system used here; common talkgroups (such as fire, law enforcement, and medical common talkgroups) could be programmed into radios. Another solution could be the use of an interoperability system such as a Motobridge. A Motobridge could alleviate these problems as well, but there would be delay in setup. There would be a shorter delay in setting up a permanently sited Motobridge or a longer one in deploying and setting up a temporary Motobridge.
This is of particular interest to the public safety monitoring hobbyist. It could have a direct impact on what we listen to and how we listen to it.
Incident Command System
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 1 addresses knowledge of and use of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). CEMA recommends that principles of the ICS be adhered to in all incidents. CEMA states that more than 1200 hours of ICS Level 300 and 400 training have been conducted. There are only a few agencies here that use the ICS on a regular basis on practically all of their operations. If agencies aren't practicing the ICS on regular, single agency incidents, how can they be expected to apply ICS principles on a major, multiple agency incidents. Classroom training and a couple of exercises a year cannot result in the same level of fluency that regular use of the ICS system can.
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 2 addresses the Chatham County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Chatham EOC and the CEMA administrative offices are not co-located. The EOC is at the County Annex and the administrative offices are downtown. CEMA recommends that their offices should be located with the EOC as soon as funds and facilities become available. Funds and Facilities should be made available by the county now, before Hurricane Season is here.
ESF #5 Statement of Issue 3 addresses how units "self dispatched" themselves to the scene and how their was no Incident Command to coordinate. They recommend that an Incident Commander should establish a Unified Command to alleviate the problems caused by the inflow of those units. There is no doubt that a Unified Command is needed, but units should also not "self dispatch" themselves to the scene. The street has to work both ways; the Unified Command must be established but the units must wait until requested and work with the Unified Command.
ICS Problems had a follow on effect onto other aspects of the response. Resources (ESF #7) were impacted by the ICS Problems; the lack of a Unified Command resulted in some needed resources being turned away from the scene. Ingress/Egress and Staging (under ESF #13) were impacted by the same issues; lack of communication between Fire and Law Enforcement combined with self dispatched units restricted the single ingress/egress corridor and hampered asset staging. This is why the amateur radio community needs to be familiar with the ICS and that amateur radio operators wanting to participate in emergency communications need to take the NIMS courses. The amateur radio community cannot be a weak link in the chain; in order to fit into the response, amateur radio operators need a working knowledge of ICS so that they know why things are going on around them and how they fit into the overall plan.
The AAR also addresses time limits on Incident Command and General Staff shifts. They correctly state that fatigue from extended shifts "impairs ones judgement and can expose emergency personnel to excessive danger." This must also apply to amateur radio operators taking part in emergency communications. From personnel experience during Hurricane Floyd, I know that long hours can reduce ones effectiveness. Rotating operators and making sure operators get rest will eliminate mistakes. Mistakes can not only embarrass the amateur radio community and damage it's reputation, they can put others in dangerous and harmful situations.
External Affairs
ESF #15, Statement of Issue 1 addresses the release of information regarding the incident. There were problems with incorrect information being released and information be released prematurely. The Pubic Information Officer and his/her delegates should be the only ones releasing information, no one else (not even elected officials!)
This relates to both the amateur radio operator and the public safety monitoring hobbyist. Amateur Radio Operators should be careful of what they say over the air and what they say off the air in regards to what could be considered sensitive information regarding an incident. Be careful of what you say, the information may not be intended for public consumption at the time. Likewise, the monitoring hobbyist should be careful what they say about what they are hearing and when they say it. Radio traffic may sometimes be inaccurate and incomplete; keep this in mind before talking about what you hear and making judgements on what you hear.
Air Operations
CEMA recommends the activation of the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) during future incidents such as this. The ASOC is a mobile command and control center operated by members of the Chatham County Aviation Division. The public safety monitoring hobbyist should plan to search and scan aviation frequencies during future exercises and incidents. CEMA has also come to agreements with local helicopter owners and operators to fill in when the local, state, federal, and military aviation assets are unavailable.
I would like to stress that the above opinions are purely my own. The do not reflect the opinions of amateur radio clubs, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, or anyone else.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Oglethorpe Speedway; April 25, 2008
Last night, my schedule allowed one of my rare trips out to Oglethorpe Speedway. I always enjoy getting out to the short track and last night was no exception. There was some good racing and plenty to listen out for on the radio.
The Track Operations/Race Officials channel is unchanged from last year. The "Race Receiver" used for the Officials to talk to the Drivers during the races is now on 454.0000 MHz.
461.5000 - Track Operations/Race Officials (DCS 026)
454.0000 - Race Receiver (Officials to Drivers)
There were plenty of radios in use by the teams, mostly in the Street Stock and Late Model fields, although there were some in use in all of the levels racing. I really didn't try to match car numbers with frequencies last night, but one channel stood out in particular: 463.6875 MHz. The female spotter on this channel, apparently the driver's wife, did an outstanding spotting job making it the most interesting team frequency to monitor.
450.7250
451.4750
452.7750
455.1250
456.9500
461.6500
461.7125
461.7625
462.6250
463.2750
463.6875
464.5750
464.7875
468.7250
469.3875
Once again, I would reccomend taking two radios to the track in order to monitor most efficiently. One radio scanning the officials and the race receiver would keep you on top of the action while you used the second radio to search for and scan the teams.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
24 April 2008
CEMA Issues Imperial Sugar Refinery Explosion After Action Report
I was working on a post about CEMA's After Action Report for the Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion with hopes of posting it tonight. A power outtage that caused the file to disappear has delayed those plans. Having to start typing from scratch, I hope to get it up some time tomorrow afternoon or evening.
In the meantime, you can find the After Action Report here. It is a docmument that Amateur Radio Operators interested in Emergency Communications and the radio hobbyist interested in public safety monitoring should read.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
In the meantime, you can find the After Action Report here. It is a docmument that Amateur Radio Operators interested in Emergency Communications and the radio hobbyist interested in public safety monitoring should read.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
17 April 2008
Military Monitoring Recap; 15-31 March 2008
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
32.350 - 3-3 AVN Ops
48.025 - 3-3 AVN
87.725 - 3-3 AVN
139.900 - 3-3 AVN
140.100 - 3-3 AVN
238.250 - 3-3 AVN
238.375 - 3-3 AVN
77.725 - 224 MI Bn Ops
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
242.400 - B-169 AVN
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savannah Ops
157.175 - Marine Ch. 83, AirSta Maintenance Control
ARMY 45464 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 45479 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57007 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57008 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57009 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57011 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57012 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57013 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN
ARMY 75502 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75503 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN
ARMY 75504 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 03746 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26367 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26412 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 295 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 296 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6533 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6561 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
ARMY 00182 (CH-47D)
ARMY 26300 (UH-60)
ARMY 26482 (UH-60)
BOLT 21 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD Auxiliary 42705
GREYHAWK 75 (C-2, , VAW-120)
GUARD 20512 (AH-64, 1-151 AVN SC ARNG)
GUARD 26658 (UH-60L)
JOSA 391
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
LOCKHEED 99 (C-5M)
MAD FOX 09 (P-3C, VP-5)
MOON 08 (T-1, 14 FTW)
NAVY 7N 927
NAVY JV 829 (C-40, VR-58)
RAIL (RC-12)
RHINO 01 (A-10, 23rd Wing)
TEAL 25 (WC-130J, 53 WRS)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.200 - WCM9, Gulfstream Aerospace
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD Auxiliary N735RP
SAM 1809
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
251.700 - Approach/Departure
301.200 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
253.100 - VMFA-122 Base
283.400 - VMFA-122 Tac 1
354.325 - VMFA-122 Tac 2
305.800 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
NIKEL 3# (F/A-18C, VMFA-122)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18A+, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
GITMO 640
Charelston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV
BASCO (C-17, 437/315 AW)
IMPAC (C-17, 437/315 AW)
CANFORCE 2601
CODER 16 (KC-135, 126 ARW)
CODY 01 (C-130, 302 AW)
JOSA 793
OTIS 23 (KC-130, VMGR-252)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169 FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169 FW V14
143.625 - 169 FW V15
143.250 - 169 FW V16
141.925 - 169 FW V17
MACE (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
VIPER (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
DEMON (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
HEAT (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
Shaw AFB
311.200 - 55th FS Ops "SHOOTER OPS"
141.900 - 55th FS V8
138.300 - 55th FS V9
139.750 - 55th FS V10
273.700 - 77th FS Ops "GAMBLER OPS"
143.800 - 77th FS V8
141.750 - 77th FS V9
138.950 - 77th FS V10
141.675 - 77th FS V11
138.475 - 77th FS air-to-air
CUSTER (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
HAMMER (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
MOJO (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
STING (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
TURBAN (F-16CJ, 55 FS
BOOKIE (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
DECK (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
DIAMOND (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
FLUSH (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
GAMBLER (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
JACKPOT (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
LOAD (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
NAIL (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
PELT (F-16CJ 77 FS)
POKER (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
RENO (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
VEGAS (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
Jacksonville IAP/125th FW
322.400 - Jackonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG (F-15, 125 FW)
SNAKE (F-15, 125 FW)
RATTLER (F-15, 125 FW)
Robins AFB
349.850 - Robins PMSV
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
235.325 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTRRS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
381.00 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
RHET 41 (KC-135, 19 ARG)
PEACH 88 (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
ALLEYCAT (Backend, E-8C, 128 ACCS)
NIGHTSTAR (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
STARGATE (Backend, E-8C, 330 CTS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
254.350 - Gamecock C MOA
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
339.700 - Sealord Discrete
341.100 - Sealord Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
AMBUSH 1# (F/A-18, VFC-12)
BEAR 60# (E-2C, VAW-124)
BOLT 42 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
CHALICE (E-3 backend, 963 ACCS)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966 ACCS)
GUNMAN (A-10, 23rd Wing)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
KING 21 (HC-130, 71 RQS))
NAVY LF 161 (P-3C, VP-16)
NAVY LL 69 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LN 451 (P-3C, VP-45)
POSSUM (A-10, 23rd Wing)
RED TALON 713 (P-3C, VP-16)
RIPSAW (A-10, 23rd Wing)
ROMAN ## (F/A-18, VFA-106)
RUSTIC 25 (unknown)
SCOUT 17 (E-3 frontend)
SENTRY 61 (E-3 frontend, 966 ACCS)
SKEETER 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
SPAD 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
THUD (A-10, 23rd Wing)
THUMPER (E-3 backend)
TROUBLESHOOTER 611 (SH-60, HS-3)
136.725 - USAF SAM Mission
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
228.225 - ANGEL OPS, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB
138.150 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
143.750 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
364.200 - NORAD AICC
313.300 - AWACS Discrete
320.600 - AWACS Discrete
324.600 - AR-207
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
335.650 - Atlanta Center
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
32.350 - 3-3 AVN Ops
48.025 - 3-3 AVN
87.725 - 3-3 AVN
139.900 - 3-3 AVN
140.100 - 3-3 AVN
238.250 - 3-3 AVN
238.375 - 3-3 AVN
77.725 - 224 MI Bn Ops
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
242.400 - B-169 AVN
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savannah Ops
157.175 - Marine Ch. 83, AirSta Maintenance Control
ARMY 45464 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 45479 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57007 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57008 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57009 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57011 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57012 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 57013 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN
ARMY 75502 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75503 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN
ARMY 75504 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 75507 (AH-64D, 3-3 AVN)
ARMY 03746 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03749 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03753 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26367 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26412 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 295 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 296 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6533 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6561 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6575 (HH-65C, Savannah)
ARMY 00182 (CH-47D)
ARMY 26300 (UH-60)
ARMY 26482 (UH-60)
BOLT 21 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD Auxiliary 42705
GREYHAWK 75 (C-2, , VAW-120)
GUARD 20512 (AH-64, 1-151 AVN SC ARNG)
GUARD 26658 (UH-60L)
JOSA 391
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
LOCKHEED 99 (C-5M)
MAD FOX 09 (P-3C, VP-5)
MOON 08 (T-1, 14 FTW)
NAVY 7N 927
NAVY JV 829 (C-40, VR-58)
RAIL (RC-12)
RHINO 01 (A-10, 23rd Wing)
TEAL 25 (WC-130J, 53 WRS)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
380.025 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
387.100 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165 AW CP
225.050 - 165 AW
123.200 - WCM9, Gulfstream Aerospace
123.575 - Gulfstream Test Ops
DAWG 0# (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test)
COAST GUARD 2002 (HC-130J)
COAST GUARD Auxiliary N735RP
SAM 1809
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
251.700 - Approach/Departure
301.200 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
253.100 - VMFA-122 Base
283.400 - VMFA-122 Tac 1
354.325 - VMFA-122 Tac 2
305.800 - VMFA(AW)-224 Base
258.900 - VMFA(AW)-224 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
301.950 - VMFA-312 Tac 1
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
NIKEL 3# (F/A-18C, VMFA-122)
BENGAL 4# (F/A-18D, VMFA-224)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18A+, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
GITMO 640
Charelston AFB
349.400 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Command Post "PALMETTO OPS"
372.200 - PTD
344.600 - PMSV
BASCO (C-17, 437/315 AW)
IMPAC (C-17, 437/315 AW)
CANFORCE 2601
CODER 16 (KC-135, 126 ARW)
CODY 01 (C-130, 302 AW)
JOSA 793
OTIS 23 (KC-130, VMGR-252)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169 FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169 FW V14
143.625 - 169 FW V15
143.250 - 169 FW V16
141.925 - 169 FW V17
MACE (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
VIPER (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
DEMON (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
HEAT (F-16CJ, 169 FW)
Shaw AFB
311.200 - 55th FS Ops "SHOOTER OPS"
141.900 - 55th FS V8
138.300 - 55th FS V9
139.750 - 55th FS V10
273.700 - 77th FS Ops "GAMBLER OPS"
143.800 - 77th FS V8
141.750 - 77th FS V9
138.950 - 77th FS V10
141.675 - 77th FS V11
138.475 - 77th FS air-to-air
CUSTER (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
HAMMER (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
MOJO (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
STING (F-16CJ, 55 FS)
TURBAN (F-16CJ, 55 FS
BOOKIE (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
DECK (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
DIAMOND (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
FLUSH (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
GAMBLER (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
JACKPOT (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
LOAD (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
NAIL (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
PELT (F-16CJ 77 FS)
POKER (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
RENO (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
VEGAS (F-16CJ, 77 FS)
Jacksonville IAP/125th FW
322.400 - Jackonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG (F-15, 125 FW)
SNAKE (F-15, 125 FW)
RATTLER (F-15, 125 FW)
Robins AFB
349.850 - Robins PMSV
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
228.050 - JSTARS Discrete
235.325 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
324.650 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTRRS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
376.125 - JSTARS Discrete
381.00 - JSTARS Discrete
388.225 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
RHET 41 (KC-135, 19 ARG)
PEACH 88 (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
ALLEYCAT (Backend, E-8C, 128 ACCS)
NIGHTSTAR (E-8C, 128 ACCS)
STARGATE (Backend, E-8C, 330 CTS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
228.400 - Townsend Range
252.900 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
254.350 - Gamecock C MOA
269.000 - Gamecock D MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
349.800 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
339.700 - Sealord Discrete
341.100 - Sealord Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
AMBUSH 1# (F/A-18, VFC-12)
BEAR 60# (E-2C, VAW-124)
BOLT 42 (KC-135, 6 AMW)
CHALICE (E-3 backend, 963 ACCS)
DRAGNET (E-3, 966 ACCS)
GUNMAN (A-10, 23rd Wing)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
KING 21 (HC-130, 71 RQS))
NAVY LF 161 (P-3C, VP-16)
NAVY LL 69 (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LN 451 (P-3C, VP-45)
POSSUM (A-10, 23rd Wing)
RED TALON 713 (P-3C, VP-16)
RIPSAW (A-10, 23rd Wing)
ROMAN ## (F/A-18, VFA-106)
RUSTIC 25 (unknown)
SCOUT 17 (E-3 frontend)
SENTRY 61 (E-3 frontend, 966 ACCS)
SKEETER 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
SPAD 0# (A-10, 23rd Wing)
THUD (A-10, 23rd Wing)
THUMPER (E-3 backend)
TROUBLESHOOTER 611 (SH-60, HS-3)
136.725 - USAF SAM Mission
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
228.225 - ANGEL OPS, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB
138.150 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
143.750 - 23rd Wing air-to-air
364.200 - NORAD AICC
313.300 - AWACS Discrete
320.600 - AWACS Discrete
324.600 - AR-207
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
335.650 - Atlanta Center
255.400 - Flight Service
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
15 April 2008
Raising the Jetstream JTB4
Over the weekend, I worked towards putting up a new antenna to go with with Yaesu FT-897D. The Jetstream JTB4 I ordered had been in several days, but the weekend was the first opportunity that came along to put it up. Like most things that I try to accomplish, this project turned into a comedy of errors.
A word on the antenna here; the JTB4 is a tri-band vertical covering the 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70cm bands. It is a fiberglass vertical about 9 ft. tall with two short radials and one long loaded radial (see the photo below). The antenna is mounted on a push-up pole that has been moved closer to the radios, eliminating most of the feedline run that was present with the 2-meter hamstick I was using. The push up pole slides down into a piece of 2 inch PVC pipe that was dropped into a post hole with the post hole filled with concrete around the pipe.
On Saturday afternoon, we attempted to dig the post hole and put in the pipe and concrete to support and anchor it. After digging half of the post hole, one of the post hole digger handles broke off; the result was a quick trip to Home Depot to get a new post hole digger. After fighting some thick, strong roots, the hole was finally finished. Some stone was dropped into the bottom followed by the PVC pipe. Quickrete was poured around the pipe and the pipe was plumbed to ensure the mast was straight. The whole thing was left overnight to set up.
On Sunday afternoon, it was time to take down the old hamstick and put up the new antenna. Taking down the hamstick was easy, as was relocating the coax. The comedy of errors really began when it was time to mount the JTB4 onto the push up pole. The diameter of the top section of the pole was too small for the antenna mount. The only choice at that point was to remove the top section of the pole and mount it on the next section (albeit with the loss of elevation). Things continued to go wrong when the PL-259 connector wouldn't fit onto the existing run of RG-213 after the excess cable was cut off. No amount of rigging could get it to fit on. The RG-213, with regret, replaced with RG-8 in hopes that the shorter length of coax would balance out using the RG-8 as far as loss goes.
Eventually everything got put together properly and the antenna was tested. I received a good signal check on the 146.745 Springfield repeater and the 146.715 Whitehall repeater. The Springfield repeater is now received at S8 as opposed to S3 with the hamstick. Interestingly, there is no change in S-meter reading with the Whitehall repeater; it read S1 with the hamstick and still reads S1 with the JTB4. Taking a look at the SWR readings using the 897's SWR meter, it appears that the JTB4 is tuned for the lower end of each band. The high end of 2-meters and 70cm doesn't have an SWR problem, but the SWR seems to be fairly high at the top of 6-meters. The antenna has instructions for tuning it to center at 52 MHz; at some point I imagine that I will make the tuning change.
All in all, things seem to be going pretty well with the JTB4. I'll comment more on the antenna's performance after I use it more.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
A word on the antenna here; the JTB4 is a tri-band vertical covering the 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70cm bands. It is a fiberglass vertical about 9 ft. tall with two short radials and one long loaded radial (see the photo below). The antenna is mounted on a push-up pole that has been moved closer to the radios, eliminating most of the feedline run that was present with the 2-meter hamstick I was using. The push up pole slides down into a piece of 2 inch PVC pipe that was dropped into a post hole with the post hole filled with concrete around the pipe.
On Saturday afternoon, we attempted to dig the post hole and put in the pipe and concrete to support and anchor it. After digging half of the post hole, one of the post hole digger handles broke off; the result was a quick trip to Home Depot to get a new post hole digger. After fighting some thick, strong roots, the hole was finally finished. Some stone was dropped into the bottom followed by the PVC pipe. Quickrete was poured around the pipe and the pipe was plumbed to ensure the mast was straight. The whole thing was left overnight to set up.
On Sunday afternoon, it was time to take down the old hamstick and put up the new antenna. Taking down the hamstick was easy, as was relocating the coax. The comedy of errors really began when it was time to mount the JTB4 onto the push up pole. The diameter of the top section of the pole was too small for the antenna mount. The only choice at that point was to remove the top section of the pole and mount it on the next section (albeit with the loss of elevation). Things continued to go wrong when the PL-259 connector wouldn't fit onto the existing run of RG-213 after the excess cable was cut off. No amount of rigging could get it to fit on. The RG-213, with regret, replaced with RG-8 in hopes that the shorter length of coax would balance out using the RG-8 as far as loss goes.
Eventually everything got put together properly and the antenna was tested. I received a good signal check on the 146.745 Springfield repeater and the 146.715 Whitehall repeater. The Springfield repeater is now received at S8 as opposed to S3 with the hamstick. Interestingly, there is no change in S-meter reading with the Whitehall repeater; it read S1 with the hamstick and still reads S1 with the JTB4. Taking a look at the SWR readings using the 897's SWR meter, it appears that the JTB4 is tuned for the lower end of each band. The high end of 2-meters and 70cm doesn't have an SWR problem, but the SWR seems to be fairly high at the top of 6-meters. The antenna has instructions for tuning it to center at 52 MHz; at some point I imagine that I will make the tuning change.
All in all, things seem to be going pretty well with the JTB4. I'll comment more on the antenna's performance after I use it more.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
09 April 2008
$20 Million in Public Safety Grants Awarded to Georgia
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency Press Release
Savannah, GA – April 9, 2008
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that $20 million will be released for Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants for local first responders so to improve emergency communications and coordination during natural and man-made disasters.
The PSIC grant program will assist first responders in acquiring and deploying communication systems that are interoperable among all local response agencies. The grants will also provide training for local first responders in the usage of this improved communication system.
“These awards will assist our state’s first responders during critical moments when communications are essential to protecting the citizens of Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The PSIC grant will increase our ability to communicate effectively and save lives across the state.”
Georgia Emergency Management Agency requested the PSIC grant in December of 2007 and grants have been designated to Chatham County Information and Communications Services for distribution to Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn and Liberty counties and the city of Savannah to enhance the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network (SEGARRN); to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Network jurisdictions to expand SEGARNN; to Troup County for Troup and Harris counties and Columbus Consolidated Government to improve the West-Central Georgia Regional Radio System (WCGRRS); to Carroll County for upgrades to the Western Area Regional Radio System (WARRS); and to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office for Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties to improve the Northwest Georgia Interoperable Communications Network (NWGIC).
“It is critical for first responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to have the proper tools and equipment available when they respond to an incident,” said Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director Charley English. “The PSIC grant approval enhances our state’s communications capabilities.”
Savannah, GA – April 9, 2008
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that $20 million will be released for Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants for local first responders so to improve emergency communications and coordination during natural and man-made disasters.
The PSIC grant program will assist first responders in acquiring and deploying communication systems that are interoperable among all local response agencies. The grants will also provide training for local first responders in the usage of this improved communication system.
“These awards will assist our state’s first responders during critical moments when communications are essential to protecting the citizens of Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The PSIC grant will increase our ability to communicate effectively and save lives across the state.”
Georgia Emergency Management Agency requested the PSIC grant in December of 2007 and grants have been designated to Chatham County Information and Communications Services for distribution to Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn and Liberty counties and the city of Savannah to enhance the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network (SEGARRN); to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Network jurisdictions to expand SEGARNN; to Troup County for Troup and Harris counties and Columbus Consolidated Government to improve the West-Central Georgia Regional Radio System (WCGRRS); to Carroll County for upgrades to the Western Area Regional Radio System (WARRS); and to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office for Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties to improve the Northwest Georgia Interoperable Communications Network (NWGIC).
“It is critical for first responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to have the proper tools and equipment available when they respond to an incident,” said Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director Charley English. “The PSIC grant approval enhances our state’s communications capabilities.”
05 April 2008
Hazardous Weather Outlook - 05 April 2008
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-060900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS-INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...A STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL INTERACT WITH AN UNSEASONABLY WARM...MOIST...AND UNSTABLE AIR MASS TODAY. AS A RESULT...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THE EXPECTED TIMING OF THE POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND MIDNIGHT...WITH 4 PM TO 10 PM...CURRENTLY THE MOST LIKELY WINDOW FOR SEVERE WEATHER.
DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR THE LATEST STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR ACTIVATION THIS AFTERNOON.
$$
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-060900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS-INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
428 AM EDT SAT APR 5 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...A STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WILL INTERACT WITH AN UNSEASONABLY WARM...MOIST...AND UNSTABLE AIR MASS TODAY. AS A RESULT...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THE EXPECTED TIMING OF THE POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND MIDNIGHT...WITH 4 PM TO 10 PM...CURRENTLY THE MOST LIKELY WINDOW FOR SEVERE WEATHER.
DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR THE LATEST STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR ACTIVATION THIS AFTERNOON.
$$
03 April 2008
Georgia Army Guard Chinook at Aviation Career Day
"POOLER ,GA (WTOC) - A special visitor dropped in on the Mighty Eighth Air force Museum today.
Dozens of people packed in to get an up close look at a CH-47 Chinook landing. The Chinook landed around 1pm as part of aviation career day."
For the full story:
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=8108753&nav=menu89_2
The CH-47 that flew over to the 8th Air Force Museum yesterday was GUARD 252, a CH-47D from B-169 AVN at Hunter AAF. In addition to 124.875 and 119.100 with Hunter AAF and Savannah towers respectively, GUARD 252 was also active on 38.150 and 242.200 with B-169 AVN Operations.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Dozens of people packed in to get an up close look at a CH-47 Chinook landing. The Chinook landed around 1pm as part of aviation career day."
For the full story:
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=8108753&nav=menu89_2
The CH-47 that flew over to the 8th Air Force Museum yesterday was GUARD 252, a CH-47D from B-169 AVN at Hunter AAF. In addition to 124.875 and 119.100 with Hunter AAF and Savannah towers respectively, GUARD 252 was also active on 38.150 and 242.200 with B-169 AVN Operations.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
NWS Charelston Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-040900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS- INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE POCKETS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN TODAY. LOCALIZED AMOUNTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES COULD RESULT IN MINOR TEMPORARY FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS AND ROADWAYS.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE REGION SATURDAY.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140-SCZ040-042>045-047-040900-
JENKINS-SCREVEN-CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS- INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-BERKELEY-INLAND JASPER-
420 AM EDT THU APR 3 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE POCKETS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN TODAY. LOCALIZED AMOUNTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES COULD RESULT IN MINOR TEMPORARY FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS AND ROADWAYS.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE REGION SATURDAY.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Amateur Radio Operators Respond to the Effingham County Tornados and Severe Weather
The Springfield and Rincon areas of Effingham County suffered the effects of two EF2 tornados on March 15, 2008. At 9:34 PM, the first tornado touched down northeast of Springfield and traveled southeast for approximately 7 miles, injuring five people, destroying three mobile homes, damaging between two dozen to three dozen homes, knocking down fifteen high voltage transmission towers, destroying or damaging approximately twenty vehicles, and destroying numerous outbuildings. This tornado was ¼ mile wide at its widest point and was rated an EF2 with wind speeds between 110 to 120 mph. The second tornado touched down northeast of Rincon near Georgia Power’s Plant McIntosh, traveled through the plant and lifted just southeast of the plant at 9:44 PM. It destroyed one of the plant’s water cooling towers, damaged another water cooling tower, knocked down two high voltage transmission towers, uprooted several dozen trees, and damaged other plant equipment. Initial estimates indicate that Plant McIntosh suffered $2-3 million in damage. The tornado was approximately 100 yards wide and was rated an EF2 with wind speeds between 120-130 mph.
Certainly those who were injured and those whose property was damaged may not agree, but providence shined upon the Savannah area on the night of March 15, 2008. Many thousands were out in the open in downtown Savannah while attending the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. If the tornados were to have continued toward Savannah, there could have been a great disaster. As it was, the widespread power outage caused by the tornados caused enough confusion by throwing downtown Savannah into darkness and rendering traffic lights inoperative.
During the night of March 15 and the morning of March 16, Skywarn Nets were activated on the Effingham County 146.745- (CTCSS 97.4) repeater and the Amateur Radio Club of Savannah 146.970- repeater. These nets were used to collect information for the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC and to ascertain information for Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah. These reports were beneficial because power was knocked out in a five county area and some areas also lost phone service. Approximately fifteen amateur radio stations checked into the nets, making reports on weather conditions, electrical power status, and other pertinent information. Additionally, the net passed weather bulletins being issued by the National Weather Service; the net was able to compare the actual reported weather situation with NWS bulletins. The net also was able to pass information on conditions and damage gleaned from monitoring public safety communications and commercial media, keeping those whose power was out informed as to what was happening around them.
Greg Tillman, N4VAD, acted as net control station and reports that all stations did an excellent job of maintaining frequency clearance and net discipline, allowing information to flow both to and from their stations and net control. Stations were responders as opposed to reactors; instead of screaming “the sky is falling,” they maintained their calm, listened, provided the pertinent information, and handled the situation at hand. It is important to remember that the stations were not storm chasers. They took cover when necessary and returned to the net when it was safe to do so, reporting on damage and letting the net control station know that the operators and their families were safe and sound.
Greg also passes on some important lessons learned from the tornado related radio operations:
1. It is important to train and drill on a regular basis so that you can be ready to operate during emergencies rather than learning what to do on the fly. Training will make you a much more effective and capable operator.
2. Check your equipment regularly to make sure it is in proper working order. An emergency is not the time to find out that your equipment is inoperable or functioning improperly.
3. ALWAYS have if not one, two deep cycle marine batteries charged and ready for operation. You never know when commercial power may be lost or how widespread it might be.
4. Keep extra antennas, accessories, and supplies prepared so that you can deploy from your residence or replace storm-damaged antennas.
5. Maintain receivers for monitoring public safety, portable TVs and radios, flashlights, a generator if possible, and other supplies to keep you informed and sustained during an emergency.
6. Never take any county or area out of your emergency plans; you never know when you will need to get information into or out of that area or when that area will be doing the same for you.
Sources:
The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 11 (March 20, 2008)
Greg Tillman, N4VAD
National Weather Service Charleston, SC Public Information Statement (March 22, 2008)
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Certainly those who were injured and those whose property was damaged may not agree, but providence shined upon the Savannah area on the night of March 15, 2008. Many thousands were out in the open in downtown Savannah while attending the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. If the tornados were to have continued toward Savannah, there could have been a great disaster. As it was, the widespread power outage caused by the tornados caused enough confusion by throwing downtown Savannah into darkness and rendering traffic lights inoperative.
During the night of March 15 and the morning of March 16, Skywarn Nets were activated on the Effingham County 146.745- (CTCSS 97.4) repeater and the Amateur Radio Club of Savannah 146.970- repeater. These nets were used to collect information for the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC and to ascertain information for Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah. These reports were beneficial because power was knocked out in a five county area and some areas also lost phone service. Approximately fifteen amateur radio stations checked into the nets, making reports on weather conditions, electrical power status, and other pertinent information. Additionally, the net passed weather bulletins being issued by the National Weather Service; the net was able to compare the actual reported weather situation with NWS bulletins. The net also was able to pass information on conditions and damage gleaned from monitoring public safety communications and commercial media, keeping those whose power was out informed as to what was happening around them.
Greg Tillman, N4VAD, acted as net control station and reports that all stations did an excellent job of maintaining frequency clearance and net discipline, allowing information to flow both to and from their stations and net control. Stations were responders as opposed to reactors; instead of screaming “the sky is falling,” they maintained their calm, listened, provided the pertinent information, and handled the situation at hand. It is important to remember that the stations were not storm chasers. They took cover when necessary and returned to the net when it was safe to do so, reporting on damage and letting the net control station know that the operators and their families were safe and sound.
Greg also passes on some important lessons learned from the tornado related radio operations:
1. It is important to train and drill on a regular basis so that you can be ready to operate during emergencies rather than learning what to do on the fly. Training will make you a much more effective and capable operator.
2. Check your equipment regularly to make sure it is in proper working order. An emergency is not the time to find out that your equipment is inoperable or functioning improperly.
3. ALWAYS have if not one, two deep cycle marine batteries charged and ready for operation. You never know when commercial power may be lost or how widespread it might be.
4. Keep extra antennas, accessories, and supplies prepared so that you can deploy from your residence or replace storm-damaged antennas.
5. Maintain receivers for monitoring public safety, portable TVs and radios, flashlights, a generator if possible, and other supplies to keep you informed and sustained during an emergency.
6. Never take any county or area out of your emergency plans; you never know when you will need to get information into or out of that area or when that area will be doing the same for you.
Sources:
The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 11 (March 20, 2008)
Greg Tillman, N4VAD
National Weather Service Charleston, SC Public Information Statement (March 22, 2008)
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
